Gibby3000 - The model we have has flanges on three sides, which made it ideal for a three-wall installation. It says it can also be used as a drop in model. It does not have an apron, so you have to put something in front, tile or whatever. We originally thought we'd do beadboard, like we did around the walls, but somehow we got talked out of it by tiler and contractor. I think our tile placement created a bit of a lip, but you can run the tile/beadboard right flush with the edge of the tub itself, for a sleeker look. This is admittedly a boxy looking tub, and Kohler makes other softer-edged tubs/whirlpools that are still as big. And as you can read here on GW, lots of people have gotten fine ones made by other companies. As for the shower enclosure: We have a friend who did a shower 'shield'' about 2/3 or halfway across her tub. It doesn't open or close as it is stationary. It's a different kind of tub. She says there is a little bit of water running onto the floor, but she's still happy with it. We decided on the hinged one because it allowed us to run the glass along a bigger stretch of the tub opening, thus preventing more leakage, and with the door opene, it makes it easier to get in and out. It also gives us the option of leaving the door open when bathing, and enabling us to sit at the edge of the tub and swing our legs over, as you say. It's working out well that way. As for the price of this tub, it's always less anywhere than the list price on the Kohler website. We got ours at Expo. Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler Tea for Two

The whirlpool bath manufacturers, such as ourselves, have made great strides in reducing the amount of water left in the plumbing harnesses in conventional whirlpools. In the past, only flexible tubing was used in the plumbing harness. This flexible tubing would sag over time and hold substantial amounts of water in them. The results were the black mold build up discussed. Now, some manufactures use rigid PVC piping that is heat formed to allow the water to automatically drain out of the jets. MTI Whirlpools took it a step further and patented a cleaning system that back flushes the entire plumbing harness using your incoming potable water supply. You can clean the entire plumbing harness will less than 10 gallons of water. We have a very detailed illustration on our website. Here is a link that might be useful: MTI Whirlpools

There are a few options: Hydrosystems has something called Hydrofusion which is supposed to be silent pump that recirculates the water. Hydrosystems also has something called the Hydro Blanket that is an integrated heating pads into the tub that heats up targeted areas. MTI tubs has a systems called Radiance that is also the integrated heating pads into the tub. MTI tubs also has an inline heater. These are a few options that I am aware of from these manufacturers. I think other manufacturers have the same options but they may have different names. Good luck!

Mom has Bain Ultra Meridian with air jets. She and Dad love it. It gives a nice therapeutic massage. It also has a dual dry cycle to help ensure there is no water in the air holes after the water has drained from the tub. The Amma is similar to their Meridian except it has those "integrated seats" in it. I really like the look of the Amma myself. On the other hand, I prefer a gentler air bubble bathing experience. We have the Kohler Purist with the effervescence feature (micro bubbles). It's exactly like what I imagined sitting in a tub full of champagne would feel like--soft, relaxing, caressing bubbles. Definitely more my speed. What does your shower layout look like? We have a regular showerhead, a handheld with multiple settings on a slide bar and a ceiling mount rainhead. We occasionally use the rainhead. With the way we placed the handheld and the main showerhead, we can achieve a very similar experience to the jets. Jets can be very costly, require plenty of water pressure (no running the dishwasher, washing machine or any other baths) while running those jets, and once installed many people use them for the first couple months and then stop. I would really do some serious thinking on the jets--unless you're in a super upscale neighborhood where the houses are all relatively new and have all the latest gadgets, no buyer will expect the jets. However, I do think buyers will expect a shower head and not just a handheld. Hope this helps!